HAGERSTOWN, MD (August 6, 2019) – The Washington County Gaming Commission announced its gaming fund distribution to the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association, as well as 84 local charitable organizations.
The Gaming Fund total of $2,044,999.55 for fiscal year 2019, which ended June 30, represents an increase of $68,625.79 when compared to fiscal year 2018 revenues.
State law requires funds be divided equally between the Washington County Fire and Rescue Association and local charities, and in January the Washington County Fire and Rescue Association received $433,796.52. As of today, an additional $588,703.25 will be distributed, bringing the yearly total for Fire and Rescue to $1,022,499.77.
In May, the Washington County Gaming Commission received 100 separate applications from 84 charitable organizations requesting a total of $1,947,775.72. After a one-day workshop in June, and public hearing in July, the Commission was able to either partially or fully fund 87 of the 100 requests. Of the 100 applications received, 16 received full funding, 71 received partial funding, and 13 were denied funding. A total of $1,022,499.78 of 2019 gaming funds were allocated to 81 of the 84 charitable organizations applying. This year an additional $8,141.50 was distributed to charitable organizations, due to funds being returned from organizations unable to spend their prior year gaming award funds within the one-year grant period. All gaming grant funds are required to be spent within one year of award, any unspent funds are returned to the fund for reallocation. Including these funds, a total of $1,030,641.28 was distributed to charitable organizations.
The Community Free Clinic received the largest award of $160,000 followed byR.E.A.C.H of Washington County receiving $60,000, and Brook Lane Health Services, Inc. receiving $55,000.
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